I am just getting into the dropshipping business and need some help. I have found tons of lists for dropshippers – both credible and not, but am not sure how to start.

What do I say to them? Should I ask to meet with them in person? Should I call? Email?

I still haven’t figured out what exactly I’m going to sell. There are a lot of good items out there and a few items that have caught my eye.

Only saying that to let you know I’m not ready to contact them today. Just trying to get everything lined up so when I do find the dropshipper I want to use I can approach them and be taken seriously.
I’m sure they get tons of emails and calls each day and I want to stand out.

Appreciate the help everyone.

Hey there, and welcome to the world of dropshipping! First things first: Research. Research is the most important thing you can do.

Once you find a product you’re really interested in, you should research the product you want to sell and the dropshipper you want to use as a supplier. Make sure both are reliable and will provide you with a profit for a long time.

When you find a dropshipper you like, search these forums for user reviews. People are always happy to share their experience.

You should not work with a supplier asking you to pay a monthly fee to be able to make use of their drop ship services. However, just to keep the general public from seeing trader prices, some drop shippers might ask to pay a single or small annual fee.

As far as getting ready to contact them:

You can –

• Email the company
• Call
• Write a letter

Email is fine to use as most dropshipping business is done online anyway. Just remember:

• Be professional
• Tell them the item you are interested in
• And how much stock you expect to move

They will want you to verify that your business is registered – they may ask for tax information or want a link to your website.

Remember when it comes to dropshipping you only get what you put in. So do your research and don’t be afraid to dive in.

Research really is your best option. If you know what you are talking about then the dropshipper will pick up on that.

Sending an email is fine. A phone call is good too. I don’t think many dropshippers accept face to face meetings – at least not for the average customers.

Come up with a business plan and let them know you are serious.

I was thinking of asking one of my current suppliers about using dropshipping, but they don’t have it advertised. Would it be bad to ask them about it?

A professional query goes a long way. Of course they may ask you to provide extensive business credentials before giving you too much information, but one email can open a lot of doors.

Make sure you know about the product line and have a good way to sell the product like your own website, b&m store or eBay Store.

There is a lot to learn about dropshipping but you can’t learn it all before you start. Don’t be afraid to take a chance and learn a lesson.

Quote:

Originally Posted by PamNY

I was thinking of asking one of my current suppliers about using dropshipping, but they don’t have it advertised. Would it be bad to ask them about it?

do a forum search here and see if anyone on the boards are using your supplier as a dropshipper.

I always send them an email including links to my page, including my eBay storefront, that way they see I am established.

Include the quantity you are aiming on selling each week/month/quarter. They want to know you have done your homework. Like you said they receive tons of emails so they have to weed out the bad.

Even if a supplier doesn’t advertise dropshipping service it doesn’t hurt to ask, especially if you are already their customer. Just remember to be respectful and don’t get upset if they say no.

I always just send an email and that has always worked.

Don’t expect to get a quick yes and be able to use their product. They are going to want you to prove yourself, and that’s where the money comes into play.

Be prepared to pay for their services.

Great advice on here. Just wanted to say thank you for it! I’m new to the forum and I’m glad to find all the information I need in one spot.